American Civilizations

     The Pueblo people, as a group, no longer live in the Mesa Verde region, but they have made their mark on the area.  However, some single Pueblo Indians still do live in the area.  In fact, more than 60,000 Pueblo people live in 32 Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Arizona and one pueblo in Texas (see Citations page).  Nowadays, Pueblo people contribute not only to home communities, but to the broader American society today.  Many do speak English, but some of their languages have been preserved since ancient times, such as the Tews, Tiwa, Keres, Towa, Zuni and Hopi.  They have also maintained their own customs and local government in addition to preserving their six languages.  They vie to keep the spirit and identity of the Pueblo group for centuries.  A very essential part of the Pueblo peoples' identity is their strong connection to nature and the Mesa Verde region, itself.  Some even made pilgrimages to the region for religious purposes and to visit their ancestors, who they believe still inhabit ancestral Pueblo sites.  Overall, the Pueblo people have great respect for their land and culture, and are determined to preserve it for centuries to come.